freymann
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Re: My Blue Ox Sway Pro Experience (Bad, but now resolved)
I would now consider this thread finished. If you want to debate the logistics between the relationship of a RV owner and the Dealer then please start a new thread. In my case, two issues were discovered. #1: Ball height was 3 inches too low #2: I require 1500 pound bars instead of 1000 pound bars I have already brought my hitch head to a friend's and we have raised the ball height and are within specs. Today I spoke with Roxanne from Blue Ox to confirm my findings and she has gracefully offered to exchange the bars and finally bring to a conclusion my issues with the Blue Ox Sway Pro system. I have also been speaking with Connor from Blue Ox. I can recall during my first phone call with Connor that he said something along the line of "I hope we can work together to resolve your issues so you can feel happy and safe with our Blue Ox Sway Pro system" -- I'm happy to say that with his patience and desire to work with me, that I actually do like the Sway Pro system now, and I'm very happy to be able to utilize this system in the manner it was designed. Thank you Blue Ox.762Views0likes0CommentsRe: My Blue Ox Sway Pro Experience (Bad, but now resolved)
SoundGuy wrote: Ok, so this is what has me confused. :@ How could you possibly claim you "researched weight distribution and anti sway control" when you have no idea what your trailer's gross weight and gross tongue weight typically average loaded and ready to camp? I was looking for current brands and models that were newer than my original Reese system that others have used and said good things about. I decided on three systems and then I approached a dealer to discuss each one. Everyone just calm down and get back to reality. This thread has gone so far off track I hate to even come back and see what the latest comment is.762Views0likes0CommentsRe: My Blue Ox Sway Pro Experience (Bad, but now resolved)
SoundGuy wrote: hohenwald48 wrote: The only person with a real vested interest in proper installation and adjustment is the owner/operator. If you don't want the responsibility of proper ownership and usage of your own RV equipment you might think about considering a different hobby. That's just the way it is. RV aren't cars, aren't built like cars, don't have the quality control of cars and would be completely out of most folks financial reach if they were. Well put, couldn't agree more ... and one doesn't have to be an "expert" to achieve responsible RV ownership, just a bit of time and interest. :B Maybe I'm reading these comments wrong, but I feel compelled to add one more post here... We upgraded to our 4th travel trailer, 26 feet long. Each time we bought a new trailer the dealer involved, all different dealers, told me that my Reese Weight Distribution and anti sway bar system was fine. I could tell, as the driver, that it wasn't "fine" with the most recent 26 footer (and over 2 different tow vehicles) and being the responsible RV owner I researched Weight Distribution and Anti Sway systems and came up with 3 I felt were worth looking at. I then discussed my concerns that I was after a proper tow package with Peterborough RV, a model was chosen, and an appointment to have the old system removed and the new system installed was made. You go to a Dentist to have your teeth cared for. I went to a RV Dealer to have my RV cared for. I was being responsible for my RV and the safety of my family and those on the highway with me. After the install I could tell something was wrong with the system and I complained about it. The dealer wasn't interested but fortunately Blue Ox was, and wanted to ensure that I was a happy customer of theirs. My dealer? *shrugs* Beats me. Now with some of my own leg work, some more research, and a good discussion on this forum, two issues were found and will be resolved. I've already had the ball raised 3 inches and now I'm working on exchanging the bars. Mission accomplished. Let's conclude this thread on a happy note :) and be proud that the RV.NET forums has helped another RV'er and possibly other RV'ers in the future that may find themselves in a similar situation and can read our content and learn from it.591Views0likes0CommentsRe: My Blue Ox Sway Pro Experience (Bad, but now resolved)
SoundGuy wrote: freymann wrote: One question the dealer, Peterborough RV, should have asked was: "What is your tongue weight?" Out of curiosity I have to ask - did this question not come up when you were first discussing weight distribution with whomever you were dealing with at the RV dealership? Nope. Never.537Views0likes0CommentsRe: My Blue Ox Sway Pro Experience (Bad, but now resolved)
TomG2 wrote: If I have to know more than the dealer, then I will order online. It was a good thing the OP did not have a wreck towing with such a poorly installed device by a technician that was not familiar with the Blue Ox and had no intention of learning. I agree. What I've learned from today is: One question the dealer, Peterborough RV, should have asked was: "What is your tongue weight?" Second issue that relates to any hitching system is to get the ball on the tow vehicle at the correct height! 3 inches too low? You gotta be kidding me. Bad installer at Peterborough RV. So in this case: Blue Ox: A+ for listening and responding to my concerns and making sure that I no longer run around bad mouthing their product Peterborough RV: F (for many reasons)536Views0likes0CommentsRe: My Blue Ox Sway Pro Experience (Bad, but now resolved)
Actually the real moral to the story is to fully understand what you're buying, how it's intended to work, and what it takes to install properly even if you don't intend to do the installation yourself. ;) Amen to that!536Views0likes0CommentsRe: My Blue Ox Sway Pro Experience (Bad, but now resolved)
Thank you to everyone who has posted and messaged. Key fixes: 1) exchange 1000 pound spring bars for 1500 pound bars 2) Raise the ball 3 inches I just spent 90 minutes with my neighbour, who has the same Blue Ox Sway Pro system, same truck, and almost the same trailer (his is 2 feet longer). First words out of his mouth "your trailer ball is way too low!" He drove home and brought back his hitch head assembly. His ball is a lot higher than mine is. I asked him to bring his spring bars too. They have 4 dots so they are 1500 pound bars compared to mine, which are 1000 pounds. We use Jason's hitch head assembly and he proceeds to hook up the bar on the passenger side. They go on surprisingly easy. I mean completely different than what I have been struggling with. I do the other side and can't believe how simple this works. We didn't have to raise the trailer and truck that much either. We drive the rig around the block and park in a flat driveway just up the road from me in front of a private garage. Lots of room. Time to unhook, level the trailer, and take some measurements. I install my hitch head assembly. 22 3/8 inches to bottom of coupler 19 5/8 inches to the top of my ball That's 3 inches too low! I measured to the bottom of the fenders on the driver's side wheels before hooking up and after (while using Jason's Hitch Head Assembly). The truck goes less than a couple inches down and with the trailer leveled by using the correct chain link the rear of the truck sits a bit higher than the front. Perfect. So that's it folks. Wrong bars and trailer ball is too low. During all of our fiddling, hooking and unhooking, with his hitch head assembly and 1500 pound bars there were no issues, no scary moments, and no fear of hurting yourself. So time to make a few changes and tow happily ever after. :-)536Views0likes0CommentsRe: My Blue Ox Sway Pro Experience (Bad, but now resolved)
downtheroad wrote: The OP wrote: "I have the 1000 pound bars. I have never had the tongue weight checked at a scale. The trailer manual states the tongue weight is 815 pounds." The dry brochure tongue weight of our trailer is 820 lbs. I have the 1500 lb. bars. The Blue Ox has worked fantastic for us. You have the wrong bars. They are too light.. I can assure you that your loaded trip ready tongue weight is well over 1000 lbs. You are being forced to put too much tension and bar deflection on the 1000 lb. bars in order to level your truck. You need heavier bars. Yes, I have discussed this with Blue Ox and we are in agreement that 1500 lb. bars are in order. They have looked at my pictures and have suggested that the two rotating latches be adjusted slightly so the chains hang straight down. Right now they appear to be on a slight angle. I am taking the trailer to a flat area to measure ball height and take measurements on the tow vehicle before and after hookup too. Blue Ox is going to call me on Monday afternoon to discuss this setup with me further and we will most likely exchange the bars, make any other suggested alterations, and see what happens. Once again I say that the only help I've received with my setup has been from Blue Ox. My dealer, Peterborough RV, has never called me to see how things are going and have never offered to have me come back with the rig so they could investigate further...339Views0likes0CommentsRe: My Blue Ox Sway Pro Experience (Bad, but now resolved)
wowens79 wrote: I think I know what the problem is. The bars are to light. The sticker tongue weight is 815lb, add propane tanks, batteries and all the other stuff in the camper, and the true tongue weight is probably at or over 1000 lbs. My tongue weight sticker is 790lbs, and I figured I would be right at 1000lbs, and read if you were borderline to bump up to the next size. As others have mentioned, those bars have alot of bend to them to get the camper level. I'd get an actual tongue weight, and then check with Blue Ox to see if you need the heavier bars. As much as those bars are torqued you will have to go way up with the jack to get the tension off of them. That may be exactly what the problem is here. I will pass this onto my Blue Ox rep.304Views0likes0Comments
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